DellTM Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SASTM Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1GBb iSCSI to SAS www.dell.com| support.dell.
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Contents 2. Contents 1. Read this first.......................................................................................................................................... 2 2. Contents .................................................................................................................................................. 3 3. Figures..................................................................................................................................................... 5 4.
Contents 11. Appendix A............................................................................................................................................ 41 11.1 Setting up your computer for initial set up ....................................................................................... 41 12. Appendix B............................................................................................................................................ 43 12.
Figures 3. Figures Figure 1 iSCSI Topology.................................................................................................................................... 8 Figure 2 Product view ........................................................................................................................................ 9 Figure 3 Remove the shipping lock .................................................................................................................
Figures Figure 45 Session Connections Page ............................................................................................................. 56 Figure 46 Adding a new connection ................................................................................................................ 58 Figure 47 Advanced Connections Session...................................................................................................... 58 Figure 48 iSCSI bridge Network Configuration Page ...........
Safety and Environmental Notices 4. Safety and Environmental Notices When using this product, observe the danger, caution, and attention notices that are contained in this guide. The notices are accompanied by symbols that represent the severity of the safety condition. The sections that follow define each type of safety notice and give examples. DANGER CAUTION High voltage! Risk of electric shock. Do not remove cover (or back). No user-serviceable parts inside.
Preface 5. Preface Thank you for purchasing the DELL Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS bridge. The bridge is designed to ensure connectivity between LTO SAS drives installed in a Dell PowerVault TL24iSCSIxSAS and the network. The bridge has been designed to ensure that the majority of installations will require the minimum of set up before use. However, we suggest you read the following as it will guide you through setting up both the Network and SAS aspects of the iSCSI bridge.
Preface Figure 2 Product view Number Description 1 LED iSCSI bridge ready (Green). Should be blinking when the bridge is ready. 2-5 LED SAS ports 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Green). Should be blinking when there is port activity. 6 Ethernet port. 7 Air vents. 8 Shipping lock (storage location). 9 SAS port. Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Installing the iSCSI bridge 6. Installing the iSCSI bridge Important: Before you undertake any work on the library, switch off the library and remove the AC connector from the library. Important: Hot plugging is not supported, the unit must be powered off for installation of the iSCSI bridge card.
Installing the iSCSI bridge Figure 4 Store the label of the library • Remove the blank plate (see Figure 5) on the rear of the library (you need a #3 Phillips screwdriver). Figure 5 Remove the blank plate Important: If your TL2000 library is without card guide rails for the bridge, please install the card guide rails (reference the Getting Started Guide). • Before open the shipping packaging, inspect the box for shipping damage. If you notice any damage, report it to the shipping company.
Installing the iSCSI bridge Figure 6 Installing the bridge and store the shipping lock • Store the shipping lock on the iSCSI board (see Figure 6, step 3). • Connect the Ethernet cables. • Connect the SAS cables and peripherals. • Connect the library power cord. • Configure the bridge’s host name and IP-address.
Installing the iSCSI bridge • Unpack the iSCSI board and install it into the Library (see Figure 8, and Figure 10 step1). Figure 8 Installing the bridge in the PowerVault TL4000 Installing a second bridge in the PowerVault TL4000 with e.g. (four HH SAS Drives). Figure 9 Remove the second blank plate on the PowerVault TL4000 Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Installing the iSCSI bridge Figure 10 Installing the second bridge in the PowerVault TL4000 • Lock the bridge in place with two screws (see Figure 8 and Figure 10 step 2). • Connect the Ethernet cables. • Connect the SAS cables and peripherals. • Connect the library power cord. • Configure the bridge’s host name and IP-address.
Installing the iSCSI bridge 6.1 SAS Bus Connections The SAS bus on the iSCSI bridge is capable of running at high data transfer speeds, however, devices that operate at slower speeds can still be connected to this SAS bus. In a manner similar to the Ethernet connection, the iSCSI bridge will automatically negotiate with these devices to obtain their optimal operating speed upon power up. Each SAS port will support up to 2 SAS connections.
Installing the iSCSI bridge Figure 12 Connect the SAS and network cables in the PowerVault TL4000 Page 16 Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Configuring the iSCSI bridge 7. Configuring the iSCSI bridge Before the iSCSI bridge can be used on the network for the first time, it is necessary to configure a number of IP parameters. To make this as easy as possible, the iSCSI bridge has a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that can be accessed via any web browser. 7.1 Initial set up Connect the iSCSI bridge to the Dell PowerVault drives and the network as described in the previous sections and power up the unit.
Configuring the iSCSI bridge Figure 14 Invalid Login page Note: Page 18 We suggest that you change your password at the next possible opportunity – see section 7.4 Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Configuring the iSCSI bridge The GUI will now display the root selection screen as shown below. Figure 15 Main GUI page Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Configuring the iSCSI bridge 7.2 Network Connections Click on the Connections button under the Network section of the main window. This will now bring up a new configuration page. See Figure 16. On this page you can configure the network settings. Figure 16 Network configuration page 7.2.1 Setting the Hostname In this box enter the name you wish to use to address this iSCSI bridge in the future. It is recommended that you use a name that is relevant to its location and or, its purpose. 7.2.
Configuring the iSCSI bridge 7.2.4 Setting the IP-address There are two possibilities when configuring the IP-address of the iSCSI bridge: • DHCP - this means the bridge will seek out the DHCP-sever on your network and obtain an IPaddress from the server each time it powers up. • Static IP - the IP-address set in this page will be the IP-address the unit will use each time it powers up. Depending on your configuration, either click the DHCP-button or set your Static IP-address. Note: 7.2.
Configuring the iSCSI bridge 7.3 Network Ping From within the Network configuration page on the left hand side the user can access the ping facility. Click on the Network Ping on the left hand side and the user will see the following screen. Figure 17 Network Ping page Ping allows the user to send a data packet over a network which will require a response. This is particularly useful to verify the network connections and that a particular network port is visable.
Configuring the iSCSI bridge 7.3.1 Ping a Nework address To send a ping packet to a network address, enter the IP-address in the host field and the number of pings to send. By default 5 pings are sent. Click Ping to send the pings. This will take approximately 5 seconds for 5 pings to complete. A successful ping is shown in Figure 18 below. Figure 18 A successful ping Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Configuring the iSCSI bridge When a network address is unreachable, the following display will be seen below in Figure 19. If a network port is unreachable 5 pings can take up to 30 seconds to fail. Figure 19 Failed Ping Page 24 Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Configuring the iSCSI bridge 7.4 Setting the Password This configuration page will allow the user to change the access password for the GUI. From within the main menu select the Password and Security icon under the Network section. The GUI will now display the following window. Figure 20 Network configuration, password page To change your password, type the existing password and the new password into the appropriate boxes and press Change Password. The password can be a maximum of 16 characters.
Configuring the iSCSI bridge 7.5 Network Services This configuration page will allow the user to configure the IP-addresses for the Network Time Protocol server and the iSNS-service. From within the main menu select the Service Control icon under the Network section. The GUI will now display the following window. Figure 21 Network service page The Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a protocol for synchronizing the clocks of computer systems over the IP network.
Configuring the iSCSI bridge 7.6 iSCSI Target This configuration page will allow the user to configure the iSCSI Target. Click on the iSCSI Target icon under SCSI Systems. The following page will be shown. Figure 22 iSCSI Target configuration page 7.6.1 CHAP Settings CHAP is an authentication scheme used by Servers to validate the identity of clients and vice versa. When CHAP is enabled, the initiator must send the correct Username and Target Password to gain access to the iSCSI bridge.
Configuring the iSCSI bridge 7.7 Multipath Settings Multipath is a method of sending data to an iSCSI target over multiple network connections. These network connections can be on the same physical network cable or separate network cables. This increases the data bandwidth to send data over. A user may have a single iSCSI Session for an iSCSI Target, but within that session may have multiple connections. iSCSI uses two main network ports, 3260 and 860.
iSCSI Sessions 8. iSCSI Sessions This page displays the current iSCSI Sessions i.e. iSCSI hosts logged on to the bridge . It displays which initiator is connected to which Target device. Figure 23 shows a number of iSCSI Session currently logged in to an iSCSI Target. Figure 23 iSCSI Session page Note: It is possible that more than one Initiators to be connected to any target device or one Initiator to multiple target devices.
iSCSI Sessions 8.1 Device Management This configuration page will allow the user to configure a number of parameters that control the behavior of the devices connected to the SAS Bus. From within the main menu select the Device Management section. The GUI will now display the following window. Figure 24 Device Management Page 8.1.1 Global Settings The first option ‘Persistent LUN by Device’s:’ allows the user to select whether SAS Devices are identified by its WWN or SCSI ID for persistency.
iSCSI Sessions 8.1.2 Individual Device Info By clicking on the blue triangle in the Device info box you can display further information about each SAS device. The expanded information also gives you two further options. Persistent LUN - if you select this option, the device will always be presented to the iSCSI interface in exactly the same way – i.e. the same IQN. If the device is disabled or has been removed from the SAS port the IQN will be reserved and will not be assigned to any other SAS device.
Maintenance 9. Maintenance The following section describes the various pages that are available to the user to monitor the performance, review the error log, import/export a configuration and update the iSCSI bridge’s firmware. 9.1 System Information This System information page will allow the user to view the performance of the iSCSI bridge. From within the main menu, select the System Information icon from the bridge maintenance section.
Maintenance 9.2 System Log This system information page will allow the user to view the log status that the bridge encounters while running. From within the main menu select the View Log-file icon from the bridge maintenance section. The GUI will now display the following window. Figure 26 System information, log page If the user wishes to save the log file to his local disk, click on ‘Click Here to Download’.
Maintenance 9.3 Load/Save Configuration The Load Save Configuration page will allow the user to save the configuration parameters to a local disk partition and load from it. From within the main menu select the Load Save Configuration icon from the bridge maintenance section. The GUI will now display the following window. Figure 27 Saving the configuration page 9.3.
Maintenance 9.3.2 Export Configuration Once you have finished configuring your bridge we recommend that you save your configuration data to a local disk. By doing so, you could save valuable time if the unit requires replacement or if a configuration is lost during upgrades. To save the configuration data click on the “Click here to Download” link from within the Export Configuration window located in the centre of the page.
Maintenance 9.4 Firmware Updates The Firmware Updates page will allow the user to load new firmware into the bridge. From within the main menu select the Firmware Updates icon from the bridge maintenance section. The GUI will now display the following window. Figure 28 Firmware Update page Page 36 Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Maintenance From time to time it may be necessary to upgrade the firmware within the bridge. New versions contain resolutions to known issues as well as new features and improvements to the functionality of the bridge. It is advisable to check for the latest release on a regular basis. New version of the firmware can be downloaded from the Dell web site at: www.dell.com/support.
Troubleshooting 10. Troubleshooting 10.1 Network Problems The iSCSI bridge is not visible on the Network. Under normal operation you should be able to “ping” the network address of the bridge and receive a response. If this fails, run through the following check list to help you identify the problem. • Ensure that the bridge is properly plugged into the library and that the library is powered on. Make sure that the power LED on the bridge is illuminated.
Troubleshooting Note: • If you can “ping” the bridge but the GUI interface fails to appear check the setting within the Web Browser you are using. If you are directly connected to the bridge then any proxy setting will require adjustment and may require you to contact your administrator. Ensure that the CHAP settings for the initiator and the bridge are the same. Note: A common mistake is to enable CHAP only for a device after the initial discovery by the initiator.
Troubleshooting Add the following DWORD settings: GlobalMaxTcpWindowSize = 0x01400000 TcpWindowSize = 0x01400000 Tcp1323Opts = 3 SackOpts = 1 Note: • If you are unsure about editing you system registry settings contact your system administrator as changing the system registry settings can damage your system. Poor GUI performance.
Appendix A 11. Appendix A 11.1 Setting up your computer for initial set up If your computer is running Windows 95, 98 or NT follow the instructions below. For users with Windows 2000, 2003, XP, 2008 instructions are detailed in Appendix B. In the Network window’s Configuration tab, Select the TCP/IP entry. Then the Properties Button. Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Appendix A Click on the IP-address tab. Make a Note of your current set up then: Click on the Specify an IP-address button. Enter 10.10.10.11into the IP-address field. Enter 255.255.255.0 into the Subnet-Mask field. Finally click the OK button and reboot your computer. Note: Page 42 Once you have completed the initial set up of the iSCSI bridge, return your computer to the original settings and reconnect to the iSCSI bridge. Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Appendix B 12. Appendix B 12.1 Setting up your computer for initial set up If your computer is running Windows 2000, 2003, XP or 2008 follow the instructions below. For users with Windows 95, 98 or NT instructions are detailed in Appendix A. From the Desk Top or Start menu, select My Computer. In the My Computer window select Network and Dial-up Connections positioned in the bottom left hand corner. Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Appendix B From within the displayed Network and Dial-up Connections select the interface connection that will be used to connect to the iSCSI bridge – in this example we have selected the Gigabit Ethernet interface. A general status page will be displayed. From within this page select Properties. Page 44 Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Appendix B Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) entry and then Properties. Make a Note of your current set up then: Click Use the following IP-address. Enter 10.10.10.11 into the IP-address field. Enter 255.255.255.0 into the Subnet-Mask field. Finally click the OK button. Note: Once you have completed the initial set up of the iSCSI bridge, return your computer to the original settings and reconnect to the iSCSI bridge. Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Appendix C 13. Appendix C 13.1 Connecting to an iSCSI Device using the Microsoft iSCSI Initiator There are many iSCSI Initiators available. However, for the purpose of this user guide we shall concentrate only on the Microsoft iSCSI Initiator. In this example we have used the Microsoft iSCSI that is available with Microsoft Vista. However, the following procedure should be identical for all versions of Microsoft iSCSI Initiator. 13.
Appendix C If you intend to use Mutual CHAP authentication you must enter the Initiator secret on this page. Click on the secret button and a window should be displayed as in Figure 31. Figure 31 Entering the Initiator CHAP Secret Enter in the Initiator Secret and click OK. The secret should be between 12 and 16 characters. Make a note of this secret as you will need to enter this as part of configuring CHAPon the iSCSI bridge 13.
Appendix C To add an iSCSI Target portal, click on ‘Add Portal’. The user should now be presented with a window as in Figure 33. Figure 33 Adding a Target portal Enter an IP-address for the iSCSI Target. In this example we shall use the IP-address of 10.10.10.50. Leave the port 3260 unless you have configured your iSCSI bridge only to respond on port 860, in which case change it to 860. Click on the advanced button to see the advanced options. This is shown in Figure 34.
Appendix C CRC/Checksum settings allow the user to specify whether the discovery is done using Data and/or Header Digests. Unless the iSCSI device is on a poor quality network where data corruption is likely, it is recommended then Header and Data Digests are left disabled, as performance will be affected. If the iSCSI bridge has had CHAP enabled, or the user wishes to authenticate the iSCSI bridge, click on the checkbox ‘CHAP login information’ to enable CHAP.
Appendix C Now click OK and the Microsoft iSCSI Initiator shall perform the discovery. This usually performs quickly but can take up to a minute with multiple network ports. Once the discovery is complete, the user should see the target listed in the Target Portals list. See Figure 36. Figure 36 Discovery complete If the user has an iSNS-server then the address can be added in the iSNS-servers list by clicking Add. A window should appear as seen in Figure 37.
Appendix C 13.4 Step 3 – Targets Click on the Targets tab. The devices discovered should now be listed and shown in Figure 38. Figure 38 Targets Tab In this example two iSCSI targets have been discovered. The first device is the tape drive, and the second is the media changer. If no devices are displayed, check the settings used to do the discovery, especially the CHAP settings then return to Targets tab and click Refresh.
Appendix C If the user wishes to connect to the target automatically when the computer is booted, click the check box ‘Automatically restore this connection when the computer starts’. Even if the user wishes to connect to the iSCSI Target using Multipath, they should not check ‘Enable Multipath’ Check box. This will be covered in a following section. Now click on the advanced button to see the advanced settings. A window should appear as in Figure 40. Figure 40 Advanced Connection settings.
Appendix C This advanced settings page is the same as that of the discovery with one addition. On the ‘Connect by using’ section the user can select the Target Port that he wishes to connect too. This is particularly useful if the user is going to create multiple connections. In this example we have chosen to connect to the IPaddress 10.10.10.50 on port 3260. To see how this relates to the iSCSI bridge configuration note the IP-addresses in Figure 41.
Appendix C Set up the Digest and CHAP settings as described in stage 2 during the discovery phase and click OK. This will now take you back to the window that was shown in figure 10. Click OK once more. The user should now see the iSCSI Target connected. This is shown in Figure 42. Figure 42 iSCSI Target Connected Page 54 Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Appendix C 13.5 Step 4 – Viewing iSCSI Session Details Now that the user has connected to an iSCSI Target, to check that the device is connected click on the Details button. A window should appear as in Figure 43. Figure 43 iSCSI Session Properties In this window the user can view the iSCSI Sessions associated to the iSCSI Target, how many connections are attached to each iSCSI Session, and the Target Portal Group. If the user clicks on the Device tab, he should see details of the target device.
Appendix C Figure 44 iSCSI Target Device 13.6 Step 5 – Creating multiple connections (Optional) If the user wishes to create multiple connections to an iSCSI Session, return to the Session tab in the Target Properties window. Click on the Connections button and a window should appear. This is shown in Figure 45. Figure 45 Session Connections Page Page 56 Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Appendix C The Session Connections window shows how many iSCSI Connections are active and the type of load balance used. For all iSCSI Sessions there will be at least one ‘leading connection’. iSCSI connections can be added and removed at any time, all apart from the leading connection, which can only be removed when the iSCSI Session is logged off. The Load balance policy specifies how the data is distributed over multiple connections.
Appendix C To add a new connection to a session, click on the Add button and a new window should appear. This is shown in Figure 46. Figure 46 Adding a new connection Now click on the Advanced button to see the Advanced Settings. This is shown in Figure 47. Figure 47 Advanced Connections Session Select the Source IP-address and the Target Portal that you wish to connect too via the pull down menus in the “Connect by using” section.
Appendix C The corresponding network configuration on the iSCSI bridge for the example above is shown below in Figure 48. Figure 48 iSCSI bridge Network Configuration Page Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Appendix C Set up CHAP and Digest then click OK. The user will now be brought back to the window shown in Figure 46. Click OK and now the user should see the Session Connections page with two connections. This is shown in Figure 49. Figure 49 Showing multiple connections Page 60 Dell Model TL24iSCSIxSAS 1Gb iSCSI to SAS User’s Guide Rev.
Appendix C The user can add up to 8 different connections. Once the user has completed setting up the connections, click OK to return to the iSCSI session page. You should now see the number of connections increased. In this example we have 2 connections. This is shown in Figure 50. Figure 50 iSCSI Session with Multiple Connections Now click on OK to return to the Microsoft iSCSI Initiator main window. 13.7 Step 6 – Logging off an iSCSI Session To log off an iSCSI Session, follow the following procedure.
Glossary 14. Glossary Broadcast-address - a type of networking address reserved for sending messages to all machines on a given network segment. Bridge - a hardware device to connect two topologies together. CAT5E - Category 5 Ethernet network cabling enhanced - A standard of network cabling to allow data transmission of speeds up to 1000 Mbs (giga-bit Ethernet). CHAP - Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol - An authentication technique for confirming the identity of one computer to another.
Glossary LED - Light-emitting diode. LUN - Logical Unit Number - A LUN is a number which identifies a sub-element within a SCSI target device. This is normally used to refer to the device itself. NTP - Network Time Protocol is a protocol for synchronizing the clocks of computer systems over the IP network. NTP as defined in IETF RFC 1305 is useful for synchronizing the internal clock of the computers to a common time source. RJ45 - A commonly used connector for networks.
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